As we come to the end of our second week of face-to-face learning it is important to acknowledge that our community has faced ‘head-on’ the very nature of challenge and embraced adaptability. We recognise the way in which our students have returned to their studies, and we commend them for the incredibly positive way in which they have done so.

Students have taken great enjoyment in reengaging in their various face-to-face subject classes and reconnecting with their peers in person.

As we move into the final two months of 2021 it is important that our students also reengage with the College values of loving learning, personal best and valuing quality relationships so that we can finish the year strongly.

While the challenge of remote learning may have impacted some positive study habits and the way we interact positively with peers – the College does not shy away from insisting upon high standards of behaviour, dress, and appearance.  We appreciate the ongoing support of our parents/carers in helping us work towards building our students to be the best they can be and to develop qualities in them which will hold them in good stead for their lives.

WORLD TEACHER’S DAY

Last Friday, 29 October, the College celebrated World Teacher’s Day. I believe you would agree with me that Remote Learning has highlighted the value of our teachers and especially the quality teachers that we have here at Magdalene.

On the day the College provided morning tea to our staff, and I thanked them all for their ongoing dedication. Sometimes teenagers can be forgetful to thank those in their lives who support and build them, thus World Teacher's Day is one way of saying thank you, acknowledging our staff and celebrating teaching in general.

UPDATED LEVEL 3 RESTRICTIONS

Please ensure you have looked at the latest COVID-19 restrictions. While there have been some relaxations in regard to requirements, our College remains committed and vigilant to provide a safe environment for our staff and students. High contact cleaning, indoor mask wearing and ‘cohorting’ arrangements for Year Groups stay in place. Also note that student drop off and pick-up arrangements will remain for the foreseeable future

PRAYER

With the United Nations Climate Change Conference still underway in Glasgow, Scotland until the 12th November, we are hopeful that further solutions for sustaining and protecting our environment can be created and sustained.

As such, the following words from the Pope’s encyclical Laudato Si are quite fitting:

God of love, show us our place in this world as channels of your love for all the creatures of this earth, for not one of them is forgotten in your sight.

Enlighten those who possess power and money that they may avoid the sin of indifference, that they may love the common good, advance the weak, and care for this world in which we live.

The poor and the earth are crying out.

O Lord, seize us with Your power and light, help us to protect all life, to prepare for a better future, for the coming of Your Kingdom of justice, peace, love, and beauty.

Praise be to You!

• Amen

(from Laudato Si, 246)